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The Ingenious Mechanical Devices #4
Dead Magic
This is an alternate cover edition for B01LRGABYK
Immanuel wants nothing more than a peaceful life as a scientist, but his happiness is short-lived when his past demons refuse to go quietly. As body-snatching spirits attack and creatures rise from the dead, he fears his sanity is slipping. Burdened with strange new powers, he struggles to hide them from his lover for fear of losing the only person he trusts.
But the woman who shares his soul has a secret of her own. Disillusioned with her life, Emmeline turns to a handsome suitor who offers her a world of limitless possibilities at an exclusive club. Rumors swirl of occult rituals and magic, and Emmeline soon fears he desires more than just her love.
Something wicked is heading for London that threatens to destroy everything Emmeline and Immanuel hold dear. And it wants more than secrets.
Immanuel wants nothing more than a peaceful life as a scientist, but his happiness is short-lived when his past demons refuse to go quietly. As body-snatching spirits attack and creatures rise from the dead, he fears his sanity is slipping. Burdened with strange new powers, he struggles to hide them from his lover for fear of losing the only person he trusts.
But the woman who shares his soul has a secret of her own. Disillusioned with her life, Emmeline turns to a handsome suitor who offers her a world of limitless possibilities at an exclusive club. Rumors swirl of occult rituals and magic, and Emmeline soon fears he desires more than just her love.
Something wicked is heading for London that threatens to destroy everything Emmeline and Immanuel hold dear. And it wants more than secrets.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2016
About the author
Kara Jorgensen
21 books184 followersKara Jorgensen (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary oddball with a penchant for all things antiquated, morbid, or just plain strange. While in college, they realized they no longer wanted to be Victor Frankenstein but instead wanted to write like Mary Shelley and thus abandoned their future career in science for writing. Kara melds her passions through her books and graduated with an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing in 2016. When not writing, they can be found hanging out with their dogs watching period dramas or trying to convince their students to cite their sources.
To find out more about their books go to https://karajorgensen.com
Sign-up for their newsletter and get a free sapphic novella: eepurl.com/bfJTW9
Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels
The Ingenious Mechanical Devices:
The Earl of Brass (IMD #1)
The Winter Garden (IMD #2)
"An Oxford Holiday" (short story)
The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3)
"The Errant Earl" (short story)
Dead Magic (IMD #4)
Selkie Cove (IMD #5)
The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)
The Reanimator Mysteries
The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1)
"An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5)
The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2)
"An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5)
The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)
A Paranormal Society Romance
Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1)
Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING)
Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING)
Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)
To find out more about their books go to https://karajorgensen.com
Sign-up for their newsletter and get a free sapphic novella: eepurl.com/bfJTW9
Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels
The Ingenious Mechanical Devices:
The Earl of Brass (IMD #1)
The Winter Garden (IMD #2)
"An Oxford Holiday" (short story)
The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3)
"The Errant Earl" (short story)
Dead Magic (IMD #4)
Selkie Cove (IMD #5)
The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)
The Reanimator Mysteries
The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1)
"An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5)
The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2)
"An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5)
The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)
A Paranormal Society Romance
Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1)
Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING)
Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING)
Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 26, 2017
Magical and captivating!
After just having finished Dead Magic, the fourth book of the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series, I have all the feels. All of them. This book had me on pins and needles, it made me laugh, and it was heartwarming—often all at once! In this book, Immanuel (whom we first met in The Gentleman Devil) has just moved to (Victorian) London. He's staying with his lover, Adam Fenice, and has a prestigious new job at a museum. Everything seems to be going according to plan, except Immanuel has issues shaking his past—and his past doesn't seem to want to let go of him, either. On another side of town, Emmeline Jardine—the girl who by a strange twist of fate shares Immanuel's soul—struggles to find her own place in the Spritualist Society. When a dark temptation lures Emmeline away, the only way to ward off evil means cooperating with forces beyond our protagonists' wildest dreams.
As with previous books in this series, I thought the entire cast was splendidly portrayed. In Dead Magic, though, Kara Jorgensen has gone above and beyond in creating characters with depth and nuance. By the end of the book, there wasn't a single character I didn't like—not even the main villain, Claudia Rose. It ended up very conflicting, considering half of the cast was constantly at odds with the other. While there is at least one character's fate I will never quite forgive Kara Jorgensen for, I applaud the author's skill for making me care so much about them.
Beyond the characters and plot, there were also so many little details that I loved about this story. The academic squabbling at the museum. The power games at the Spiritualist Society. The magic-worldbuilding. And, of course,
It saddens me that this book is over. My consolation lies in the fact that the next book in the series has just been released, and so I won't need to wait long to find out what happens next!
After just having finished Dead Magic, the fourth book of the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series, I have all the feels. All of them. This book had me on pins and needles, it made me laugh, and it was heartwarming—often all at once! In this book, Immanuel (whom we first met in The Gentleman Devil) has just moved to (Victorian) London. He's staying with his lover, Adam Fenice, and has a prestigious new job at a museum. Everything seems to be going according to plan, except Immanuel has issues shaking his past—and his past doesn't seem to want to let go of him, either. On another side of town, Emmeline Jardine—the girl who by a strange twist of fate shares Immanuel's soul—struggles to find her own place in the Spritualist Society. When a dark temptation lures Emmeline away, the only way to ward off evil means cooperating with forces beyond our protagonists' wildest dreams.
As with previous books in this series, I thought the entire cast was splendidly portrayed. In Dead Magic, though, Kara Jorgensen has gone above and beyond in creating characters with depth and nuance. By the end of the book, there wasn't a single character I didn't like—not even the main villain, Claudia Rose. It ended up very conflicting, considering half of the cast was constantly at odds with the other. While there is at least one character's fate I will never quite forgive Kara Jorgensen for, I applaud the author's skill for making me care so much about them.
Beyond the characters and plot, there were also so many little details that I loved about this story. The academic squabbling at the museum. The power games at the Spiritualist Society. The magic-worldbuilding. And, of course,
It saddens me that this book is over. My consolation lies in the fact that the next book in the series has just been released, and so I won't need to wait long to find out what happens next!
July 8, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Magic is book 4 in The Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. While I think it works as a standalone novel, it is highly recommended that those interested in this book read the other installments in the series because they are all amazing in their own rights. This one revisits characters we met and concepts that we were introduced to in books 2-3 of the series. This translates to a very dark read complete with reanimated corpses and other such dabblings in the occult. Immanuel's character development was a primary focus as well. The romantic relationship between Immanuel and Adam continues to grow while Immanuel tries to build a life after the horrors he experienced in book 2 and begins dealing with yet undiscovered magical powers and family secrets. Definitely paves the way for more interesting subject matter for future books. Emmeline was, to me, a more secondary focus of this book. I didn't feel like she went through as much of a character development as Immanuel. I actually found her to be very naive and annoying and a part of me is really hoping that there is less of a focus on her in future books. Ms. Jorgensen's writing style never changes throughout the books - enjoyable pace, smattering of historical references, relatable characters, and good action sequences. I am really pleased that I have discovered a series that stays this strong through book 4. Really looking forward to reading more from this author.
Dead Magic is book 4 in The Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. While I think it works as a standalone novel, it is highly recommended that those interested in this book read the other installments in the series because they are all amazing in their own rights. This one revisits characters we met and concepts that we were introduced to in books 2-3 of the series. This translates to a very dark read complete with reanimated corpses and other such dabblings in the occult. Immanuel's character development was a primary focus as well. The romantic relationship between Immanuel and Adam continues to grow while Immanuel tries to build a life after the horrors he experienced in book 2 and begins dealing with yet undiscovered magical powers and family secrets. Definitely paves the way for more interesting subject matter for future books. Emmeline was, to me, a more secondary focus of this book. I didn't feel like she went through as much of a character development as Immanuel. I actually found her to be very naive and annoying and a part of me is really hoping that there is less of a focus on her in future books. Ms. Jorgensen's writing style never changes throughout the books - enjoyable pace, smattering of historical references, relatable characters, and good action sequences. I am really pleased that I have discovered a series that stays this strong through book 4. Really looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 13, 2016
Continuing the pattern established in previous books, Dead Magic leaves behind Eilian and Hadley Sorrell to once again focus on the lives of Immanuel Winter and Emmeline Jardine. Dead Magic marks the series’ grand entrance into the world of (you guessed it) magic. Though hints of magic have occurred throughout the other books, this novel dives deep into the rules of magic and its practitioners. Both Immanuel and Emmeline must learn to harness the magic within themselves as well as prevent a darker magic from consuming them… and the rest of London.
As always, Jorgensen’s characters are complex and well-crafted. Though I’d already spent much time with Immanuel and Emmeline in previous novels, Jorgensen still manages to reveal more about them through the obstacles they face in Dead Magic. It was deeply gratifying to see Immanuel start to heal and watch his relationship with Adam Fenice grow. Likewise, I appreciated that Emmeline remained her headstrong self, even when her stubbornness lead her astray.
Despite being separated by Immanuel and Emmeline’s perspectives, the plot of Dead Magic perfectly weaves together. The story contains a perfect balance of physical action, magical action, romance, and introspection. While I can’t say any of the events were huge surprises, the story held my interest from the start, and I enjoyed every page. With each novel, Jorgensen’s deft skill with words deepens. She has a great ability to write in a way that is both clear and lyrical.
Overall, Dead Magic is a wonderful addition to the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. I feel like every time I read one of these novels, I pronounce the latest installation my favorite, but I have to do it again here — the series just keeps getting better and better! Highly recommended for readers who enjoy steampunk, Victorian era London, historical/dark fantasy and a dash of steamy romance.
As always, Jorgensen’s characters are complex and well-crafted. Though I’d already spent much time with Immanuel and Emmeline in previous novels, Jorgensen still manages to reveal more about them through the obstacles they face in Dead Magic. It was deeply gratifying to see Immanuel start to heal and watch his relationship with Adam Fenice grow. Likewise, I appreciated that Emmeline remained her headstrong self, even when her stubbornness lead her astray.
Despite being separated by Immanuel and Emmeline’s perspectives, the plot of Dead Magic perfectly weaves together. The story contains a perfect balance of physical action, magical action, romance, and introspection. While I can’t say any of the events were huge surprises, the story held my interest from the start, and I enjoyed every page. With each novel, Jorgensen’s deft skill with words deepens. She has a great ability to write in a way that is both clear and lyrical.
Overall, Dead Magic is a wonderful addition to the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. I feel like every time I read one of these novels, I pronounce the latest installation my favorite, but I have to do it again here — the series just keeps getting better and better! Highly recommended for readers who enjoy steampunk, Victorian era London, historical/dark fantasy and a dash of steamy romance.
January 24, 2017
An Excellent Read
This was a brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed the magic, mystery and adventure in this latest installment.
Adam and Immanuel were by far my favourite characters during this story and I loved how their relationship evolves over the course of the book.
There was a good mix of danger and intrigue that definitely kept me turning pages and eager to find out what happened at the end of this riveting tale.
Can't wait for the next one!
This was a brilliant addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed the magic, mystery and adventure in this latest installment.
Adam and Immanuel were by far my favourite characters during this story and I loved how their relationship evolves over the course of the book.
There was a good mix of danger and intrigue that definitely kept me turning pages and eager to find out what happened at the end of this riveting tale.
Can't wait for the next one!
December 8, 2016
Dead Magic is the fourth novel in Jorgensen’s Ingenious Mechanical Devices series and is the second novel to feature the characters of Emmeline and Immanuel. Although Dead Magic is a sequel, it is not necessary to read The Winter Garden first. (Although you absolutely should read all of the novels in this series! They are excellent.) Jorgensen provides enough details in the narrative to catch a reader up to the plot line of the new novel.
In fact, I did not follow my usual practice of rereading the prior book in the series before reviewing (mainly because, like most people, I am pressed for time during November and December), but I was swept up in the story without any difficulty. I gave a copy of this novel to a friend who had not read the prior novel and he was able to enter and enjoy the story world as well. The novel can certainly stand on its own.
Spoiler’s Ahead
For readers who enjoy steampunk and neo-Victorian fiction, there is a lot to appreciate in this novel. Set in an alternate version of Victorian Era England, Jorgensen demonstrates her expansive knowledge of the time period. Indeed, by combining the themes of science and fantasy, the author is reflecting the dominant cultural beliefs of the historical culture.
While many who lived during the 1800’s were obsessed with the developing fields of science and technology, a large number were also obsessed with mysticism and “unseen world” that supposedly existed next to our own. The practice of spiritualism was popular at all levels of society. There was widespread interest despite Christian piety in psychic phenomena and the occult. Spiritualist societies sponsored lecture tours, opened reading rooms, and published newspapers where photographic evidence of spirits were presented as proof that contact with the unseen world could be documented on film.
Many of the historical spiritualists were revealed as “fakes,” like Madame Nostra in Dead Magic. They used tricks, and even played with the new technology, to convince the gullible public in their powers.
"Emmeline rolled her eyes as the others tittered for her to tell them more. One day back on English soil and they were already falling over themselves to be in Madame Nostra’s good graces. Did they not realize she couldn’t actually communicate with spirits? All it took was one reading with her for Emmeline to discover that Madame Nostra’s spirits spoke in knocks that came from her left foot. It didn’t seem right for her of all people to rise to the top, but with Lord Rose dead, Madame Nostra had the biggest name and the loudest mouth" (Jorgensen, 2016).
Emmeline and Immanuel actually have abilities beyond the norm. This adds a nice touch to the story world; although based in history, it is indeed “punked” with actual magic.
The main characters develop further in the newest edition to the series. At the start of The Winter Garden, Emmeline is a young, spoiled aristocrat whose main concern is her place in society. Immanuel is a poor, foreign-exchange student at Oxford University who has to face prejudice due to both his nationality and his sexuality. After Immanuel saves her life with magic, he and Emmeline and bound by their souls.
At the start of Dead Magic, Emmeline behaves rather wantonly (for a Victorian Era lady) by encouraging the attentions of Lord Hale, a fellow spiritualist. She is also bemoaning the loss of her position as temporary head of the London Spiritualist Society. Immanuel has obtained a job as a junior curator at the Natural History Museum and lives with his lover, Adam Fenice. He still suffers bouts of post-traumatic disorder from his torture at the hands of Lord Rose, but is improving.
Once again Immanuel is the character that resonates with me the most; he is intelligent and gifted, but an outcast all the same. His romance with Adam is a secret that should not have to be kept and it offers them as much pain as it does solace. When reading this it is not hard to imagine having to live a double-life where you have to censor everything you say because society would object to your relationship.
Emmeline is growing on me, though. I think it is because she is maturing in the story and looks at the world from an adult perspective. She is headstrong, even when it gets her into trouble. She is determined and does not give up, even in the face of danger. And she is loyal to her friends.
Throughout the novel the characters develop as they face and overcome a multitude of obstacles, including those in the magical and the social realms. The pacing of the story is fast, the detail makes it easy to envision the story world, and the steampunk and fantasy elements are interwoven seamlessly.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys steampunk, fantasy, and/or mystery novels.
In fact, I did not follow my usual practice of rereading the prior book in the series before reviewing (mainly because, like most people, I am pressed for time during November and December), but I was swept up in the story without any difficulty. I gave a copy of this novel to a friend who had not read the prior novel and he was able to enter and enjoy the story world as well. The novel can certainly stand on its own.
Spoiler’s Ahead
For readers who enjoy steampunk and neo-Victorian fiction, there is a lot to appreciate in this novel. Set in an alternate version of Victorian Era England, Jorgensen demonstrates her expansive knowledge of the time period. Indeed, by combining the themes of science and fantasy, the author is reflecting the dominant cultural beliefs of the historical culture.
While many who lived during the 1800’s were obsessed with the developing fields of science and technology, a large number were also obsessed with mysticism and “unseen world” that supposedly existed next to our own. The practice of spiritualism was popular at all levels of society. There was widespread interest despite Christian piety in psychic phenomena and the occult. Spiritualist societies sponsored lecture tours, opened reading rooms, and published newspapers where photographic evidence of spirits were presented as proof that contact with the unseen world could be documented on film.
Many of the historical spiritualists were revealed as “fakes,” like Madame Nostra in Dead Magic. They used tricks, and even played with the new technology, to convince the gullible public in their powers.
"Emmeline rolled her eyes as the others tittered for her to tell them more. One day back on English soil and they were already falling over themselves to be in Madame Nostra’s good graces. Did they not realize she couldn’t actually communicate with spirits? All it took was one reading with her for Emmeline to discover that Madame Nostra’s spirits spoke in knocks that came from her left foot. It didn’t seem right for her of all people to rise to the top, but with Lord Rose dead, Madame Nostra had the biggest name and the loudest mouth" (Jorgensen, 2016).
Emmeline and Immanuel actually have abilities beyond the norm. This adds a nice touch to the story world; although based in history, it is indeed “punked” with actual magic.
The main characters develop further in the newest edition to the series. At the start of The Winter Garden, Emmeline is a young, spoiled aristocrat whose main concern is her place in society. Immanuel is a poor, foreign-exchange student at Oxford University who has to face prejudice due to both his nationality and his sexuality. After Immanuel saves her life with magic, he and Emmeline and bound by their souls.
At the start of Dead Magic, Emmeline behaves rather wantonly (for a Victorian Era lady) by encouraging the attentions of Lord Hale, a fellow spiritualist. She is also bemoaning the loss of her position as temporary head of the London Spiritualist Society. Immanuel has obtained a job as a junior curator at the Natural History Museum and lives with his lover, Adam Fenice. He still suffers bouts of post-traumatic disorder from his torture at the hands of Lord Rose, but is improving.
Once again Immanuel is the character that resonates with me the most; he is intelligent and gifted, but an outcast all the same. His romance with Adam is a secret that should not have to be kept and it offers them as much pain as it does solace. When reading this it is not hard to imagine having to live a double-life where you have to censor everything you say because society would object to your relationship.
Emmeline is growing on me, though. I think it is because she is maturing in the story and looks at the world from an adult perspective. She is headstrong, even when it gets her into trouble. She is determined and does not give up, even in the face of danger. And she is loyal to her friends.
Throughout the novel the characters develop as they face and overcome a multitude of obstacles, including those in the magical and the social realms. The pacing of the story is fast, the detail makes it easy to envision the story world, and the steampunk and fantasy elements are interwoven seamlessly.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys steampunk, fantasy, and/or mystery novels.
November 10, 2016
What can I say? I've been a fan of the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series from the start, and not a single book gas disappointed me. This book, the fourth, continues the adventures of Adam, Immanuel (yay!) and Emmeline. Miss Jorgensen knows angst and personal self doubt we'll. It flows out of each protagonist. I personally don't read magical fantasy, but here I trusted the author and she carried me away to a macabre London , a nifty dreadpunk escapade of dark sigils and heartless knaves. Her particular style of mysticism seemed different from the usual D&D norm, which I found refreshing. London is beautifully rendered from cemetery to museum. The internal tragedies of the characters I find the best, where Jorgensen punks modern young sensibilities into the encrypted heart of Victoriana. Fantasy fans, this is perfect for you. Steampunks, get Book One and enjoy the ride. Literary fans, this is Dickens with some rather fancy appendages. I am psyched for Book Five. Excellent, Miss Jorgensen. Don't stop!
November 29, 2016
This latest installment of the Ingenious Mechanical Devices series was just as exciting and enjoyable as the others. I love the way that this series bounces back and forth between the different characters for a refreshingly new story every time. Immanuel Winter is such a great character and it's been a pleasure to see him come into his own in this book. I look forward to seeing these characters continue to change and grow in the next book!
December 19, 2016
Dead Magic is the latest installment of the Ingenious Mechanical Devices. It is easy to follow without reading all of the books within the series. The main characters are likable and the plot was interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more books!
June 17, 2018
Outstanding steampunk series.
March 8, 2017
An amazing book written by a very talented author!
Loved the story and the development of the characters, a few old favourites returned and there were a few new characters I enjoyed getting to know and can't wait to find out more.
I liked the combination of different kinds of magicalk folklore and the use of Spiritulism within the context of the story, how there are those who fake the skill and those who have genuine talent.
I found the relationship between Adam and Immunuel to be interesting and the continuation and development of their lives is both intriguing and at times, heart-stoppingly intense, but there are those tender moments all couples have that makes their relationship so appealing. To me, at least.
Can't wait for the next book!
Loved the story and the development of the characters, a few old favourites returned and there were a few new characters I enjoyed getting to know and can't wait to find out more.
I liked the combination of different kinds of magicalk folklore and the use of Spiritulism within the context of the story, how there are those who fake the skill and those who have genuine talent.
I found the relationship between Adam and Immunuel to be interesting and the continuation and development of their lives is both intriguing and at times, heart-stoppingly intense, but there are those tender moments all couples have that makes their relationship so appealing. To me, at least.
Can't wait for the next book!
February 26, 2017
DISCLAIMER: Ok so this a review attempt under medication for upper respiratory infection and by no means should subtract from this books awesomeness or this reader's ability to type under meds. So if I typo or use the wrong verb tense please forgive me.
Dead Magic is probably my #1 favorite with the first book The Earl of Brass which introduces us the this ingenious series. I started reading this 2 1/2 weeks ago and have been trying to make it last knowing the 5th is currently underway of being written & I am a book junkie so not sure when I'll get my next fix of The Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. From following the author and the bit I know about it I can't wait.
These books tie into each other so nicely leaving breadcrumb clues as to what the next may reveal.
So it's no suprise when Immanuel Winter has to once again confront a darkness of the soul who maliced nature wants to destroy him, his love and possibly Emmeline, the one who shares his soul.
Desperate to protect the ones he loves he discovers there is a part of him to be unlocked. The question is can his love accept that which is hidden within.
But just as forces of malice and corruption exist so do those who rise up again them as the Magesty's Interceptors.
The question is will this unfathomable darkness be unleashed or will Immanuel be able to combat against the Dead Magic?
Dead Magic is probably my #1 favorite with the first book The Earl of Brass which introduces us the this ingenious series. I started reading this 2 1/2 weeks ago and have been trying to make it last knowing the 5th is currently underway of being written & I am a book junkie so not sure when I'll get my next fix of The Ingenious Mechanical Devices series. From following the author and the bit I know about it I can't wait.
These books tie into each other so nicely leaving breadcrumb clues as to what the next may reveal.
So it's no suprise when Immanuel Winter has to once again confront a darkness of the soul who maliced nature wants to destroy him, his love and possibly Emmeline, the one who shares his soul.
Desperate to protect the ones he loves he discovers there is a part of him to be unlocked. The question is can his love accept that which is hidden within.
But just as forces of malice and corruption exist so do those who rise up again them as the Magesty's Interceptors.
The question is will this unfathomable darkness be unleashed or will Immanuel be able to combat against the Dead Magic?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews